TA to Regular advice

Old-Salt

I've been placed on a training course by my employer, which is to last 14 months and results in several certifications (MCITP and CCNP); however, they have only just informed me that if my application to the Army is successful, and I leave within 18 months of the course starting, then I will be subject to paying the full course fees myself, which comes to several thousand pounds.

I signed the papers last week, and received a phone call from my manager today regarding this, so I have yet to inform the ACIO.

So, my only options are either:

1) Join the regular Army and pay back the course fees
2) Join the TA and transfer to the regulars in 18-24 months

I really need some advice on how easy it is to transfer from the TA to the regulars (looking at Sys Eng Tech as regular), if this would be the best option and what TA units specialize in IT communications.